US – Thursday, June 18

Despite the weak economy, comedy clubs around Boston like the Improv Asylum are seeing a steady flow of customers.

Photo: NICOLAUS CZARNECKI/METRO

Comedy clubs bank on
recession laughs

When the economy is bad, laughter is often an effective way to cope. That’s a good thing for area comedy clubs, several of which say patrons are still crowding their venues for much-needed escapes.

Richard Jenkins, owner of the Comedy Studio in Harvard Square, said business is up 10 percent compared to last year. He pointed to tickets of $10 or less as a major selling point to customers yearning for entertainment on the cheap.

“Stand-up comedy is one of most affordable entertainment options someone has, so to be able to have a good night out and save money looks very appealing,” Jenkins said. “We’re turning away more people, and we’re selling out on a regular basis.”

At ImprovBoston in Central Square, managing director Daniel Binderman said, “Sales holding up pretty well.” Meanwhile, at the Improv Asylum in the North End, a third show on Saturday nights and a Sunday evening show were added in April to meet the growing demand.

“I think the fact that people are looking for more local things at home to do has helped,” said events manager Kristin Martin.

It’s not just smaller venues that are enjoying the business. Sales remain strong at the Comedy Connection — which moved from Faneuil Hall to the 1,100-seat Wilbur Theatre last July — according to marketing director Andrew Mather.

“We are actually are selling very well,” said Mather, who credited part of the reason to more customers from the suburbs, perhaps opting to stay closer to home for excursions. “We’ve haven’t seen a lag in sales at all.”